Don Nelson: A Legendary NBA Coach and Innovator
Don Nelson, one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, passed away on Sunday at the age of 86. The Golden State Warriors, a team he once coached, announced his passing.
A Celebrated Coaching Career
Nelson is remembered as one of only two coaches to achieve over 250 wins with three different NBA franchises: Milwaukee, Dallas, and Golden State. Over his 31-season career, he reached the playoffs 18 times and won the Coach of the Year award three times. With stints in the conference finals with both the Bucks and the Mavericks, he eventually concluded his career without a championship win as a coach.
Nelson’s impact on the game included the introduction of the ‘point forward’ and an up-tempo style of offense. He credited his inspiration for this dynamic approach to his playing era under the guidance of Celtics coach Red Auerbach.
Playing and Coaching Journey
During his 14-year playing career, Nelson spent 11 seasons with the Boston Celtics, contributing to five championship victories under various coaches. Post-retirement, he began his coaching journey as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks and soon took over the head coaching role, leading the Bucks for 11 seasons and securing seven division titles.
His innovative offenses shone through during the ‘Run TMC’ era with Golden State, starring players like Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin.
Upheavals and Successes
Nelson experienced ups and downs, including a fallout with Chris Webber at Golden State. He left the team in 1995 after Webber’s trade. Later, he briefly coached the New York Knicks and spent eight years with the Dallas Mavericks, during which he had to recuperate from prostate cancer surgery.
Nelson’s relationship with his son Donnie grew professionally as Donnie joined the Mavericks’ coaching staff in 1998, later rising to general manager. Together, they convinced Dirk Nowitzki to join the Mavericks, nurturing him and Steve Nash into NBA stars.
The “We Believe” Warriors, led by Baron Davis, brought Nelson back into the spotlight when they defeated Nowitzki’s top-seeded Mavericks in the 2007 playoffs. Nelson’s final season saw him mentoring rookie Stephen Curry, a glimpse into the future of basketball greatness.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Upon his retirement, Nelson held the record for most coaching wins in the NBA with 1,335 victories. This record stood until his friend Gregg Popovich surpassed him in March 2022.